Countries around the world are reacting to Israel’s strikes on Iran, with several voicing alarm and others criticizing the move.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed its “strong condemnation and denunciation,” saying the “blatant Israeli aggression” undermines Iran’s “sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.”
China’s embassy in Iran called the situation in Iran “severe and complex,” urging Chinese citizens in the country to closely monitor developments and step up their own security precautions, including avoiding sensitive or crowded areas.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the US was not involved in Israel’s strikes, adding in a statement that “our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Canberra was “alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran.” She urged all parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, saying: “This risks further destabilizing a region that is already volatile.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon similarly called the strikes “a really unwelcome development in the Middle East,” warning that “the risk of miscalculation is high.” The US-Iran nuclear negotiations that were scheduled for Sunday in Oman are viewed as “the better path forward,” Luxon said – though it’s now not clear if the talks will go ahead.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” a spokesperson for the UN chief said in a statement reported by Reuters. Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the country was “closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites,” and urged both sides to avoid escalation. He said India had “close and friendly” relations with both Israel and Iran.